Residents of Kebbi State have been placed on alert as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warned of looming floods, dry spells, and other weather-related threats ahead of the 2026 rainy season.
The cautionary note, issued through the agency’s Sokoto Operations Office, followed forecasts contained in the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction released by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
In a statement released Friday in Birnin Kebbi, the Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office, Tukur Abubakar, disclosed that Kebbi “is among states classified as high flood-risk for 2026.”
According to the statement, the state is expected to witness heavier rainfall than in 2025, with torrential downpours likely to open the floodgates in several communities.
“Kebbi has been classified among Nigeria’s high flood-risk states for 2026 and is projected to experience flooding under high, medium, and low-risk categories across various communities,” the statement added.
NEMA also sounded the alarm over possible windstorms at the beginning of the rainy season, urging residents and environmental stakeholders to plant more trees and adopt measures capable of cushioning storm-related destruction.
The agency advised communities located along riverbanks and low-lying farmlands within the Kebbi River corridor to keep their ears to the ground and obey all flood warnings and evacuation orders issued by authorities.
It identified the period between July and September as the eye of the storm, warning that rising water levels could cause the Kebbi River to burst its banks and swallow farmlands, riverside settlements, and vital infrastructure.
“Elevated water levels could persist into October and November, prolonging the impact.
“About 97 road sections across the state are also at risk of flooding,” the statement said.
Motorists and commuters were urged to tread carefully, as submerged roads could hide potholes, washed-out sections, and damaged bridges, turning highways into danger zones and disrupting transportation.
Beyond the flood threat, the agency warned that Kebbi may also grapple with a prolonged dry spell lasting about 21 days between June and August 2026, a development expected to cast a shadow over farming activities and crop output.
“In addition to flooding, Kebbi may face a severe dry spell of about 21 days between June and August 2026, threatening agricultural activities and crop yields.
“Farmers are advised to adopt climate-smart practices, including planting drought-tolerant and early-maturing crops.
“The affected Local Government Areas are Arewa, Dandi, Aleiro, Kalgo, Bunza, Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Augie, Jega, and Maiyama,” it noted.
NEMA further urged residents to clear blocked drainages, avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse, relocate from flood-prone zones, and desist from erecting structures on waterways and floodplains.
Households were also encouraged to prepare emergency supplies, including food, clean water, medications, and important documents, while ensuring electricity is switched off before evacuation to prevent electrocution and other accidents.
The agency called on communities to quickly report early signs of flooding to local leaders and Local Government Emergency Committees.
It also advocated stronger preventive measures such as the use of sandbags, embankments, and improved drainage systems to reduce the impact of disasters.
Reaffirming its readiness to work hand in hand with the state government, traditional institutions, emergency responders, and other stakeholders, NEMA stressed the need for collective action to safeguard lives and property during the 2026 rainy season.
Residents were advised to remain calm, stay glued to official information channels, and strictly comply with all safety directives issued throughout the season.
